Mechanical Memories Magazine

Golfing Challenge
By Terry Selby
For a few years now, I have been restoring and making slot machines. This, along
with my story writing, has kept me fairly busy and it was while writing one of these
stories my mind went back to an article I wrote a few years ago regarding the
restoration of a 'Tap a Penny' golf game. This was a large floor standing model, and
after it was restored found pride of place in my hall on full view. Needless to say
friends, relations and neighbours spent many a happy hour, albeit a frustrating one,
trying to complete the course.
Eventually I sold it, much to the disgust and disappointment to those who
played on it. I didn't see much of them after that, and I must admit I've regretted
selling it ever since. "Why not get another one?" you may ask. Well, the problem is,
they're a bit thin on the ground, and if you can get one they're usually rotted out,
falling apart or the glass artwork is broken. But then I came up with the answer. I'll
build my own! After all, how hard can it be? Huh! That was a stupid statement, as I
was going to find out. Fortunately, I'd kept in touch with the purchaser of the
original game, and he very kindly sent me 'photos and measurements that I required.
I knew my major problem would be getting the fantastic artwork reproduced that
these games have, but luckily I had some first class photographs. I won't bore you
with all the barriers that I came up against, but the answers to my enquiries were:
"Oh yes, we can do that for you sir; minimum order of five hundred; payment in
advance; can't do it for three months" etc. And then the price!!! Well! The whole
project would have been doomed for the dustbin had I not casually mentioned it a
month later at a social gathering. It turned out that one of the guest's profession was
to produce artwork for the advertising world. After a short discussion we came to an
agreement and the artwork problem was solved. I'll not go on about other problems
that I encountered, only the achievements. Such as a polished slimline cabinet
without the fat cashbox at the bottom. A playfield that won't warp, rot or rust.
Stainless steel side coin plates. And not to forget the super artwork. It's also on old
penny play and light enough not to require steel brackets to fix to the wall.
Right! Now if anybody is interested in having one of these games, I'll build
them on a commission basis. This I thought would be a more personal and
productive way of selling rather than taking pot luck. The price I am asking for these
fun games is £350, which I think is pretty fair considering you'd probably pay near
that for a total wreck.
Terry 01202 671336 (Poole)
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